Episode 236

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Published on:

20th Aug 2025

236 | Christin Marvin: Intentional Growth Strategies for Thriving Restaurant Groups

As chefs and restaurateurs, we often dream of expanding our culinary empires.

To learn all the secrets of the framework to unlock successful scalability for your business visit https://www.IRFbook.com

But the journey from a single successful restaurant to a thriving multi-unit operation is fraught with challenges. 

How can we grow sustainably while maintaining the essence of what made us successful in the first place?

In this episode of Chef Life Radio, I sit down with Christen Marvin, author of "Multi-Unit Mastery, Simplify Operations, Maximize Profits and Lead with Confidence" to explore the intricacies of scaling independent restaurant concepts. We dive deep into the strategies that can help you transition from a lone culinary artist to a visionary restaurant group leader.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction and Appreciation

00:03:49 - Challenges of Restaurant Group Expansion

00:09:36 - Key Pillars for Successful Growth

00:15:05 - The Three Ps: People, Process, Profits

00:18:53 - Culture and Core Values in Restaurant Groups

00:22:08 - Effective Internal Communication

00:27:50 - Personal Growth and Overcoming Challenges

Navigating the Challenges of Expansion

We discuss the common pitfalls restaurant owners face when growing their businesses, including:

  • The struggle to let go of control and trust new team members
  • Balancing standardization with creativity across multiple locations
  • Maintaining consistent culture and values as the organization expands

The Human Element in Multi-Unit Success

Christen emphasizes the importance of:

  • Investing in people through training and development opportunities
  • Creating clear communication channels across the organization
  • Aligning core values with hiring practices and performance reviews

From Imposter Syndrome to Empowered Leadership

In a candid moment, Christen shares her personal journey of overcoming self-doubt and rediscovering her passion for the industry. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of self-reflection and continuous learning in leadership roles.

Whether you're contemplating opening your second location or aiming to build a restaurant empire, this conversation offers a roadmap for growth that prioritizes both profitability and the human experience. Tune in to gain insights that could transform your approach to multi-unit restaurant management and help you create a legacy that extends far beyond a single dining room.

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Stay Tall & Frosty and Remember to Lead from the Heart,

Adam

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About the Podcast

Chef Life Radio: Empowering Culinary Leaders
Successful Chefs | Thriving Kitchens
Welcome to Chef Life Radio, where we equip culinary leaders with the skills to create thriving, sustainable kitchens. I’m your host, Chef Adam Lamb, a culinary leadership coach and industry veteran, here to help you reclaim your passion, purpose, and process. The kitchen is evolving—and so must we. This isn’t just about cooking. It’s about leading with confidence, building resilient teams, and creating a kitchen culture where chefs and staff don’t just survive—they thrive. 🚀 Each episode delivers actionable insights on: ✔ Reducing turnover & burnout ✔ Mastering emotional intelligence in leadership ✔ Creating sustainable & profitable kitchen systems ✔ Building strong, resilient teams ✔ Balancing growth with work-life integration. If you're tired of the grind-for-survival mentality and ready to lead with clarity and purpose, this podcast is for you. 🎙️ Subscribe to Chef Life Radio today and take the first step toward a thriving, high-impact culinary career.
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About your host

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Adam Lamb

Adam M Lamb is a professional chef with thirty years of successes and failures, which he leverages as the producer and host of the podcasts Chef Life Radio, Line Check & Turning the Table.

He has successfully served in such roles as Director of Dining Services, Corporate & Executive Chef, Consultant, and Coach, emphasizing mentorship and modeling 'servant-leadership'

His intention and drive are focused on creating highly effective, trusted teams that produce transformational, sustainable experiences for guests, associates, and the community alike.

Adam spends much of his time speaking and teaching about the #newkitchenculture to chefs, industry leaders, and organizations ready to take on the operational challenges that our craft and fraternity now face.

You can learn more by emailing him at adam@chefliferadio.com or calling 828-688-0080